Tiger may need to watch his mouth at British Open

If you think too much is made about professional golfers spitting on the course, or swearing after a bad shot, then it's time to say %$*#@!!!

That's because the stodgy folks who run the British Open intend to punish offenders this year and make their misdeeds public, and perhaps Tiger Woods is the primary target.

Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Club, told The Mirror that he intends to crack down when the Open is played at Royal St. George's in July.

"These guys are role models and we are looking for them to behave as well as possible on the course," Dawson told the English tabloid. "There have obviously been some incidents we don't like. I still think generally the behavior in our sport is a model for other sports and it is why those incidents get so much publicity. I am in favour of these sanctions being ­publicized."

The Mirror says Woods had a notable swearing incident at the 2003 British Open when he carded a triple-bogey seven.

Woods was fined by the European Tour in February after he spit on a green at the Dubai Desert Classic. The Mirror says Woods also was seen spitting at this year's Masters -- although the act wasn't televised -- but that TV did catch him and Phil Mickelson cussing at Augusta.

The PGA Tour has strict rules about on-course transgressions, but keeps its disciplinary actions private.

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About Reid and Mike

Reid Cherner has been with USA TODAY since 1982 and written Game On! since March 2008.

He has covered everything from high schools to horse racing to the college and the pros. The only thing he likes more than his own voice is the sound of readers telling him when he's right and wrong.

Michael Hiestand has covered sports media and marketing for USA TODAY, tackling the sports biz ranging from what's behind mega-events such as the Olympics and Super Bowl to the sometimes-hidden numbers behind the sports world's bottom line.